COLOMBO, July 30 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake joined thousands of devotees on Wednesday (29) to witness the final procession of the 2026 Esala Perahera at the historic Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, describing the annual pageant as a powerful symbol of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and national unity.

The President, who arrived in Kataragama on Wednesday afternoon, first visited the historic Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, where he met the Chief Sanghanayaka of Ruhunu Magampattuwa and Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera, and received his blessings.

He later participated in religious observances at the temple, attended the ceremonial placement of the Sacred Relic Casket on the ceremonial tusker and ...